Brown gets three-match ban

17 October 2013 05:31

Celtic captain Scott Brown has received a three-match Champions League ban for his red card against Barcelona.

Brown knew he would automatically miss Celtic's home clash with Ajax on Tuesday but he will now also sit out the return match in Amsterdam and the visit of AC Milan.

A statement from Europe's governing body read: "UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Committee has suspended Celtic FC's Scott Brown for the next three UEFA competition matches for which he would otherwise be eligible following his dismissal in the UEFA Champions League matchday two fixture against FC Barcelona in Glasgow."

Brown was shown a straight red card just before the hour mark, with the game goalless, after bringing down Neymar and then having a petulant kick at the Brazilian while he was lying on the ground. Celtic went on to lose 1-0.

But manager Neil Lennon later called French referee Stephane Lannoy's decision "debatable" and called the offence a "tap" which drew an over-reaction from Neymar.

Speaking immediately after the October 1 match at Parkhead, Lennon said: "I think it is very soft.

"If there was any contact, it was minimal. There was a lot more in a game that warranted heavier punishment.

"I don't think the initial tackle was a severe one. It is a physical game. I don't think Neymar does himself any favours with the way he behaves at times."

The decision is a serious blow to Celtic's chances of overcoming defeats in their opening two group games and qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages for a second season running.